Transcribed by Faye Browne, Jan 2004 Index Page
Protestation Returns
In 1641/2, a national protest was organised, against the
possibility of 'an Arbitrarie and Tyrannical government'
All males of 18 or over were required to sign a declaration
of belief in the Protestant Religion, Allegiance to the King
and support for the Rights and Privileges of Parliament.
As most adult males signed the declaration, the returns
are the nearest record we have to a male census for
England at this time.
Sutcombe Protestation Returns 1641, p81
All the inhabitants of the parish aforesaid have taken the
prostation, save Nathaninel Vigures whom would not sr?
since we received? the order.